Four years ago, an 8-year-old passenger aboard an Alaska Airlines (AS) flight from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Portland International Airport (PDX) allegedly suffered severe burn injuries after a cup of un-lidded hot tea spilled during inflight service in 2022.
The incident occurred approximately 45 minutes before landing, during the airline’s final beverage service, according to a civil complaint filed by the family. The child was traveling with her parents and younger sibling at the time of the event.
The parents, Megan and Ryan Conaty, initiated legal action against the airline on November 17, 2025, in Rhode Island Superior Court. The case has been transferred to district court on April 13, 2026, as proceedings continued in federal jurisdiction, People.com reports.
Alaska’s Inflight Beverage Service Mishap
The incident centers around 8-year-old “AC,” her 5-year-old sister “CC,” and their parents. According to the filing, Ryan was seated next to AC in the aisle and middle seats, while Megan and CC were seated in the row directly behind them.
Court filings state that during the final drink service, the child’s father requested a cup of hot tea for her and decaffeinated coffee for himself. The flight attendant allegedly provided the beverage without a lid, placing it on the tray table in front of the child.
According to the complaint, the tray table contained items at the time, but space was cleared to accommodate the drinks. The father placed the hot tea on the tray surface while the crew member briefly stepped away to retrieve milk.
The lawsuit further alleges that no warning was provided regarding the absence of a lid or the safest placement of hot beverages during turbulence or tray movement. While the cabin crew was away to retrieve milk for the family’s drinks, the passenger seated next to AC “jostled the tray on which the tea was placed”
Burn Injury and Medical Response
The complaint states that a nearby passenger allegedly bumped the tray table, causing the un-lidded tea to spill directly onto the child’s lap.
The impact reportedly triggered immediate and severe pain. The child began screaming and ran toward the aircraft lavatory, where she reportedly experienced vomiting due to the intensity of the burns.
A physician passenger onboard later assessed the situation and advised urgent medical treatment due to the severity and location of the burns. The flight crew arranged for medical assistance upon landing.
The child was transported to Emanuel Children’s Hospital in Portland, where she received treatment for significant thermal injuries affecting multiple areas of her lower body.
Lawsuit Claims and Ongoing Impact
According to court documents, the child continues to experience lasting physical effects, including permanent scarring in sensitive areas. The family claims some scars remain visible near the bathing suit line.
The complaint also notes emotional and social impacts, stating that other children have noticed the scars during swimming activities. The child reportedly tells peers she was injured by a “shark bite” to avoid further attention, and the complaint reads that the now-11-year-old AC reads:
continued to suffer severe pain and discomfort as a result of the burn…permanent scarring in the area of her burns, some of which is visible at and around her bathing suit line…..Other children have noticed and commented on the scars while swimming…AC tells them it was a shark bite.
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $75,000 and demands a jury trial. Alaska Airlines has been named as the sole defendant, and the case remains active in federal court proceedings. The Conaty family alleges negligence by Alaska Airlines, claiming failure to provide lids, proper warnings, or adequate safety instructions for handling hot beverages onboard.